Swiftcurrent Creek But if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?

His silent fretting was eventually interrupted by the sound of his name from the object of his anxiety, and he was met with her smile as he turned. Kavik stopped walking as she approached and offered him a affectionate nudge in greeting, her question following soon after. He wasn't surprised she had noticed something was up; he was never very good at hiding when something was bothering him. He returned her affection, offering an gentle touch of his nose to her cheek before he started walking again, not answering her question at first. He didn't want to upset or worry her when she already had so much going on. Plus, he normally kept these kinds of things to himself, attempting to work through them on his own and decide if his anxiety was warranted or was just something created in the part of his brain that told him he wasn't worthy of any kind of happiness. But his way of dealing with things had caused problems between him and Liri, and he wondered if maybe he should tell his mate how he was feeling. They had talked about things before, and even if they weren't ever really about his demons, he thought maybe talking might help him put his mind at ease--or end his suffering and make his fears reality. Either way, he made up his mind, drawing in a deep breath as he prepared to bring up what was bothering him. Um, well, Kavik began a little awkwardly, not very good at expressing these kinds of things. I guess I've been a little worried about what Rosalie's presence will mean for...well me, he continued. I'm glad you have someone around that you trust, but-- He paused for a few seconds, unsure how to say what he wanted to say. I've just been afraid that you might take the children and leave with her, he finally finished, unable to look in Alessia's direction. I...don't want you or the children to go anywhere, he added quietly, gaze flicking to her face briefly before focusing back on the snowy ground in front of them. He didn't just want her to stay for the children, he wanted her to stay because he had grown to care about her, and he genuinely enjoyed her presence in his life. He was afraid to admit that part just yet, afraid of her reaction and afraid that saying it out loud might tempt the curse to find some way to rip his family from him like it had taken his pack and the plateau.